The Detroit Pistons were connected in trade rumors to Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings earlier in the summer before eventually landing Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert, who are both better fits. But the Kings are once again involved in rumors that may get the Pistons to circle around.
Matt George of ABC 10 Sacramento reported that the Kings were still looking to move Monk and/or guard Devin Carter to accommodate the signing of Russell Westbrook that seems to be a foregone conclusion.
Some had the idea of Westbrook joining the Pistons, but they really don’t have that kind of role for him.
What Detroit might have are scant minutes for a backup point guard or a power forward who can shoot, which might make it tempting to make a play for Carter, whose short career has not yet lived up to expectations but who has a high ceiling and qualities the Pistons would value.
Detroit Pistons rumors: Devin Carter
Carter only played 36 games last season after being drafted 13th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Carter injured his shoulder early in the season and then re-injured it upon his return, which limited him in what was a disappointing season after plenty of hype coming out of the draft.
I have to admit, I loved Carter coming out of college, as I like guards who get after it on defense and he was known as one of the best on-the-ball defenders in his draft class.
He doesn’t have great size at 6-foot-2 but makes up for it with effort, energy and a diverse bag on offense.
Carter is not a pure point guard, but more of a combo guard who can make plays, so the question is whether he’d be an upgrade from Marcus Sasser or just another warm body on the end of the bench.
If it’s the latter, then he’s not worth it, as Carter will make nearly five million next season, twice as much as Sasser.
But this guy was a lottery pick for a reason, and it’s difficult to believe the Kings are just going to give up on him after one injury-plagued season.
Is there more here or was Carter overhyped coming out of college? Is he the two-way ball hawk people thought he was when entering the league or the guy we've seen struggle in limited NBA action and bomb in the Summer League?
Someone is likely to find out, as he’ll be much easier to move than Malik Monk given their respective salaries and some team is going to take a chance on Carter’s upside, especially if the Kings are practically giving him away just to cut money for Westbrook.
It offers some team the chance at a high-upside player at a low cost, which is something all teams need under the new CBA. Given their current roster, it’s unlikely to be the Pistons, but Carter is a tempting player given his draft status and upside.